Survey of Airbag Involved Accidents An Analysis of Collision Characteristics, System Effectiveness and Injuries

In May, 1989, State Farm began to collect field data on crashes involving airbag deployments. The data include crash configurations and locations, driver actions, deployment thresholds and rates, repair cost contributions, and injury profiles.

The effectiveness of airbags in reducing injuries is described, including efforts by one manufacturer to reduce abrasion and contusion injuries, which are among the most common minor injuries in airbag deployments. Analysis shows that airbag systems are working as intended; that is, in frontal crashes where moderate to severe injuries to the face and torso would otherwise be likely.